Got serious problems with his Manichean attitude, but I posted a comment and feel better about myself for it. Thanks, Roberta, for this chance to vent elsewhere.I'm going to try to get up to the Indianoplace area sometime soon. Unfortunately, I fear that it will be for a funeral.

Well, anyone who cites Commander Cody for Smoke, Smoke, Smoke That Cigarette when everyone knows that was Tex Williams' hit should be looked at carefully.

After all, "I Took Three Bennies and My Truck Won't Start" is pretty much thematic of the Commander's very excellent but sadly under appreciated work.

THC, which appears to have an infinite half life in certain critical body parts, can also stand a critical look. The late John W. Campbell described it as completing certain critical molecules. Whatever, it certainly does a body no good.

When I became an ex-smoker the scent of second hand smoke started to really irritate me. So I stopped going places that allowed it. I have to admit I find it convenient that many more places are available to me after the local ordinance, but I dislike gov't throwing their weight around on private property owners even when it benefits me.

I note also some umbrage at his, "You brought it on yourself," in re smokers and anti-smoking laws; in this, I believe he is referring to the public opinion that allows such laws to be made and enforced, opinion fuelled by disgust at walking into one's workplace (etc) over cigarette-butt-strewn surfaces, through a cloud of stale smoke. (--This certainly happens where I work, despite two large, lit-smoke-safe ash/butt cans in the smoking area, which is well off to one side and not in a loading dock/exhaust vent area). And, sorry, he's right. That does not mean mean such intrusive laws are right -- but it explains how we got 'em.

There are polite, careful smokers. Tam's good about it, for instance. Often, the rude ones tend to drown 'em out.

"I saw to what extent the people among whom I lived could be trusted as good neighbors and friends; that their friendship was for summer weather only; that they did not greatly propose to do right; that they were a distinct race from me by their prejudices and superstitions."